North korea premier kim jong il biography
Kim Jong Il
Leader of North Peninsula from 1994 to 2011
For nobleness South Korean long jumper, image Kim Jong-il (long jumper).
In that Korean name, the family term is Kim.
Eternal General Secretary Kim Jong Il | |
|---|---|
Kim in Sage 2011 | |
| In office 8 October 1997 – 17 December 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Kim Il Sung |
| Succeeded by | Kim Jong Un (as Gain victory Secretary) |
| In office 9 April 1993 – 17 December 2011 | |
| First Vice Chairman | O Jin-u Jo Myong-rok |
| Vice Chairman | |
| Preceded by | Kim Il Sung |
| Succeeded by | Kim Jong Un (as Foremost Chairman) |
| In office 24 December 1991 – 17 December 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Kim Il Sung |
| Succeeded by | Kim Jong Un |
| In office 8 October 1997 – 17 December 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Kim Il Sung |
| Succeeded by | Kim Jong Un |
| Born | Yuri Irsenovich Kim (1941-02-16)16 February 1941 Primorsky Krai, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
| Died | 17 Dec 2011(2011-12-17) (aged 70) Pyongyang, North Korea |
| Resting place | Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, Pyongyang, North Korea |
| Nationality | |
| Political party | Workers' Party weekend away Korea |
| Spouses |
|
| Domestic partners | |
| Children | |
| Parents | |
| Relatives | Kim family |
| Education | Mangyongdae Rebel School |
| Alma mater | Kim Il Sung University |
| Signature | |
| Allegiance | North Korea |
| Branch/service | Korean People's Army |
| Years of service | 1991–2011 |
| Rank | Taewonsu (posthumously) |
| Commands | Supreme Commander |
| Chosŏn'gŭl | 김정일 |
| Hancha | 金正日[2] |
| Revised Romanization | Gim Jeongil |
| McCune–Reischauer | Kim Chŏngil |
Central institution membership
Other offices held
| |
Kim Jong Il[a] (;[3]Korean: 김정일; Korean pronunciation:[kim.dzɔŋ.il];[b] born Yuri Kim;[c] 16 February 1941 all of a sudden 1942 – 17 December 2011) was a North Korean office bearer who was the second unmatched leader of North Korea.
Proscribed led North Korea from grandeur death of his father Grow faint Il Sung in 1994 pending his death in 2011, during the time that he was succeeded by surmount son, Kim Jong Un. Later, Kim Jong Il was avowed Eternal General Secretary of honourableness Workers' Party of Korea (WPK).
In the early 1980s, Die away had become the heir evident for the leadership of Northmost Korea, thus being established justness Kim dynasty, and he appropriated important posts in party courier army organizations.
Kim succeeded crown father and founder of Northernmost Korea, Kim Il Sung, pursuing his death in 1994. Grow faint was the General Secretary appreciated the WPK, WPK Presidium, WPK Central Military Commission, Chairman be beaten the National Defence Commission (NDC) of North Korea and nobleness Supreme Commander of the Altaic People's Army (KPA), the fourth-largest standing army in the sphere.
Kim ruled North Korea little a repressive and totalitarian dictatorship.[d] Kim assumed leadership during a- period of catastrophic economic turningpoint amidst the dissolution of authority Soviet Union, on which dash was heavily dependent for exchange in food and other trappings, which brought a famine. Extent the famine had ended by way of the late 1990s, food paucity continued to be a complication throughout his tenure.
Kim make stronger the role of the heroic by his Songun ("military-first") policies, making the army the primary organizer of civil society. Kim's rule also saw tentative vulgar reforms, including the opening treat the Kaesong Industrial Park amuse 2003. In April 2009, Northward Korea's constitution was amended call for refer to him and potentate successors as the "supreme crowned head of the DPRK".
The governing common colloquial title given enrol Kim during his lifetime was "Dear Leader" to distinguish him from his father Kim Depict Sung, the "Great Leader". Mass Kim's failure to appear maw important public events in 2008, foreign observers assumed that Grow faint had either fallen seriously pull towards you or died.
On 19 Dec 2011, the North Korean direction announced that he had convulsion two days earlier, whereupon her highness third son, Kim Jong Circumvent, was promoted to a major position in the ruling WPK and succeeded him. After government death, alongside "Eternal General Secretary" of the WPK, Kim Author Il was declared "Eternal Chairman" of the now defunct State-owned Defence Commission, in keeping succeed the tradition of establishing immortal posts for the dead personnel of the Kim dynasty.
Ad northerly Korean media also began referring to Kim as "the General" (Changun), similar to his father's posthumous designation as "the [eternal] President".[7]
Early life
Birth
Soviet records show defer Kim Jong Il was exclusive Yuri Kim.[8][9][10] In literature, ensue is assumed that he was born in 1941 in either the camp of Vyatskoye, close Khabarovsk,[11][failed verification] or camp Voroshilov near Nikolsk.[12] According to Put down Jae Cheon, Kim cannot be born with been born in Vyatskoye considerably Kim Il Sung's war archives show that he arrived bequeath Vyatskoye only in July 1942 and had been living cloudless Voroshilov before, thus Kim Writer Il is generally agreed advice have been born in Voroshilov.[13] Kim's mother, Kim Jong Suk, was Kim Il Sung's cheeriness wife.
Inside his family, sand was nicknamed "Yura",[14] while culminate younger brother Kim Man Wreck (born Aleksandr Kim) was nicknamed "Shura".[15]
Kim's official biography states forbidden was born in a blush military camp on Paektu Mound (Korean: 백두산밀영고향집; Paektusan Miryeong Gohyang jip) in Korea under Japanese cross your mind on 16 February 1942.
According to one comrade of Kim's mother, Lee Min, word blame Kim's birth first reached settle army camp in Vyatskoye aspect radio and that both Die away and his mother did wail return there until the followers year.[18] Kim Jong Suk on top form in 1949 from an ectopic pregnancy.[19]
In 1945, Kim was brace years old when World Contention II ended and Korea regained independence from Japan.
His father confessor returned to Pyongyang that Sept, and in late November Skate returned to Korea via natty Soviet ship, landing at Sonbong. The family moved into a- former Japanese officer's mansion remark Pyongyang, with a garden promote pool. Kim's brother drowned not far from in 1948.[20]
Education
According to his certified biography, Kim completed the track of general education between Sep 1950 and August 1960.
Unwind attended Primary School No. 4 and Middle School No. 1 (Namsan Higher Middle School) contain Pyongyang.[21] This is contested by virtue of foreign academics, who believe put your feet up is more likely to control received his early education fulfil the People's Republic of Mate as a precaution to state his safety during the Asiatic War.[23][page needed]
Throughout his schooling, Kim was involved in politics.
He was active in the Korean Beginner Union and the Democratic Boyhood League of North Korea (DYL), taking part in study aggregations of Marxist political theory tell other literature. In September 1957, he became vice-chairman of king middle school's DYL branch (the chairman had to be straighten up teacher). He pursued a plan of anti-factionalism and attempted persevere encourage greater ideological education amongst his classmates.
Kim is also held to have received English parlance education in Malta in character early 1970s[25][26] on his hardly any holidays there as a company of Prime Minister Dom Mintoff.[27]
The elder Kim had meanwhile remarried and had another son, Die away Pyong Il.
Since 1988, Skate Pyong Il has served detour a series of North Asian embassies in Europe and was the North Korean ambassador enter upon Poland. Foreign commentators suspect give it some thought Kim Pyong Il was deadlock to these distant posts inured to his father in order farm avoid a power struggle betwixt his two sons.[28]
Ascension to power
Initial career
Kim Jong Il officially one the Workers' Party of Peninsula in July 1961.[29] He chromatic up the ranks during goodness 1960s,[30] and benefited greatly come across the Kapsan faction incident encircling 1967, which was the carry on credible challenge to Kim Resolution Sung's rule.[31] This incident significant the first time Kim Writer Il was – at unravel 26 – given official duties by his father, when high-mindedness younger Kim took part be grateful for the investigation and purges drift followed the incident.[32]
In addition, Grow faint Jong Il gave a theatre sides at the plenum; it was his first as a stardom of authority.
Kim Jong Il's name was also mentioned show public documents, possibly for nobleness first time, indicating that Diminish Il Sung might have by now planned for Jong Il hurtle succeed him as leader.[33][34]
Only shake up months after, in an offer meeting of the party, Diminish Il Sung called for devotedness in the film industry give it some thought had betrayed him with An Act of Sincerity.[e] Kim Writer Il himself announced that sharptasting was up to the pinch and thus begun his painstaking career in North Korean film-making,[34] during which he made onedimensional efforts to further intensify influence personality cult of his pa and attach himself to it.[36]
Kim Jong Il was elected endure the Central Committee in 1972 and became its secretary nobleness following year.[29]
However, when Kim Past its sellby date Sung began to contemplate probity succession question in the untimely 1970s,[37] it was not comprehend that Kim Jong Il would be his successor.[35] There was Kim's uncle, Kim Yong-ju, who was once believed to print Kim Il Sung's eventual successor[38] but who had made a few mistakes in the struggle staging power, had serious flaws,[35] gleam was becoming increasingly marginalized.[39] Commit fraud there was the more severe abhorrent threat posed by his stepmother's, Kim Song-ae's, children, especially strong the eldest, Kim Pyong Il.[35]
In the end, Kim Jong Strut won out: Kim Yong-ju was removed from his top posts and demoted to vice-premier.[39] Accordingly Kim Song-ae lost her rebel as chair of the KDWL, which was her vital force base.[40] Kim Pyong Il challenging many positive characteristics[35] but soil was also known as unmixed womanizer who threw raucous parties where the attendees sometimes scream, "Long live Kim Pyong Il!" Kim Jong Il reported that to his father, knowing walk it could be portrayed variety a threat to the inner man cult surrounding him.
Reportedly, Disappear Il Sung was infuriated come first Pyong Il thus fell fall on of favor, strengthening Kim Author Il's position.[41] In 1979, Grow faint Pyong Il began a keep fit of diplomatic postings in Aggregation, arranged so as then let go couldn't influence politics in Direction Korea.[42] Kim Pyong Il exclusive returned to North Korea improve 2019.[43]
According to Kim Jong Il's official biography, the Central Cabinet already appointed him successor relate to Kim Il Sung in 1974.
The first public confirmation go Kim Jong Il's position translation successor came in 1977, in the way that in a booklet he was designated as Kim Il Sung's only heir.[37]
Heir apparent
By the previous of the Sixth Party Copulation in October 1980, Kim's guardianship of the Party operation was complete.
He was given major posts in the Presidium, character Military Commission and the regulation Secretariat. When he was thankful a member of the Ordinal Supreme People's Assembly in Feb 1982, international observers deemed him the heir apparent of Northward Korea. Prior to 1980, loosen up had no public profile prosperous was referred to only introduce the "Party Centre".
At that time Kim assumed the appellation "Dear Leader" (Korean: 친애하는 지도자; MR: ch'inaehanŭn jidoja),[45] and the government began building a personality cult bypass him patterned after that be totally convinced by his father, the "Great Leader". Kim was regularly hailed get by without the media as the "fearless leader" and "the great progeny to the revolutionary cause".
Let go emerged as the most strapping figure behind his father alter North Korea.
By the Decennium, North Korea began to familiarity severe economic stagnation. Kim Describe Sung's policy of Juche (self-reliance) cut the country off hold up almost all external trade, still with its traditional partners, greatness Soviet Union and China.
Southernmost Korea accused Kim of arrangement the 1983 bombing in Rangoon, Burma which killed 17 staying South Korean officials, including match up cabinet members, and another amusement 1987 which killed all Cxv onboard Korean Air Flight 858.[46] A North Korean agent, Diminish Hyon Hui, confessed to husbandry a bomb in the make somebody believe you of the second, saying dignity operation was ordered by Die away personally.[47]
On 24 December 1991, Trail away was also named Supreme Head of state of the Korean People's Army.[48] Defence Minister Oh Jin Wu, one of Kim Il Sung's most loyal subordinates, engineered Kim's acceptance by the Army owing to the next leader of Ad northerly Korea, despite his lack show signs military service.
In 1992, Trail away Il Sung publicly stated dump his son was in exterior of all internal affairs calculate the Democratic People's Republic.
In 1992, radio broadcasts started referring to him as the "Dear Father", instead of the "Dear Leader", suggesting a promotion. Reward 50th birthday in February was the occasion for massive whack, exceeded only by those supportive of the 80th birthday of Tail off Il Sung himself on 15 April that same year.
In 1992, Kim made his be in first place public speech during a heroic parade for the KPA's Ordinal anniversary and said:[49] "Glory censure the officers and soldiers prime the heroic Korean People's Army!".[50] These words were followed get ahead of a loud applause by goodness crowd at Pyongyang's Kim Trash Sung Square where the coordinate was held.
Kim was given name Chairman of the National Assertion Commission on 9 April 1993, making him day-to-day commander pleasant the armed forces.[51]
According to apostate Hwang Jang Yop, the Northmost Korean government system became regular more centralized and autocratic extensive the 1980s and 1990s beneath Kim than it had bent under his father.
In single example explained by Hwang, notwithstanding Kim Il Sung required surmount ministers to be loyal tip off him, he nonetheless and again sought their advice during authoritative. In contrast, Kim Jong Hound demanded absolute obedience and understanding from his ministers and fete officials with no advice vague compromise, and he viewed sizeable slight deviation from his category as a sign of disaffection.
According to Hwang, Kim Author Il personally directed even lesser details of state affairs, much as the size of enclosure for party secretaries and description delivery of gifts to government subordinates.[52]
Leader of North Korea
On 8 July 1994, Kim Il Speaking died at the age hint at 82 from a heart down tools.
Kim Jong Il had anachronistic his father's designated successor style early as 1974, named head in 1991, and became Peerless Leader upon his father's death.[56]
He officially took over his father's old post as General Cobble together of the Workers' Party behoove Korea on 8 October 1997. In 1998, he was re-elected as chairman of the State-owned Defence Commission, and a integral amendment declared that post dressing-down be "the highest post get a hold the state".
Also in 1998, the Supreme People's Assembly wrote the president's post out give an account of the constitution and designated Tail off Il Sung as the country's "Eternal President" in order turn into honor his memory forever.
Officially, Trail away was part of a triptych heading the executive branch attention to detail the North Korean government council with Premier Choe Yong Administrator and parliament chairman Kim Yong Nam (no relation).
Kim necessary the armed forces, Choe Yong Rim headed the government limit handled domestic affairs and Disappear Yong Nam handled foreign endorsement. However, in practice, Kim, just about his father before him, adapted absolute control over the control and the country. Although gather together required to stand for universal election to his key obligation, he was unanimously elected be the Supreme People's Assembly ever and anon five years, representing a warlike constituency, due to his coinciding capacities as supreme commander provide the KPA and chairman style the NDC.[60]
Economic policies
Kim had grand "reputation for being almost comically incompetent in matters of common management".
The economy of Northerly Korea struggled throughout the Nineties, primarily due to mismanagement. Modern addition, North Korea experienced intense floods in the mid-1990s, exacerbated by poor land management.[62][63][64] That, compounded with the fact lose one\'s train of thought only 18% of North Choson is arable land[65] and justness country's inability to import depiction goods necessary to sustain industry,[66] led to a severe starvation and left North Korea economically devastated.
Faced with a sovereign state in decay, Kim adopted uncluttered "Military-First" policy to strengthen goodness country and reinforce the regime.[67] On the national scale, excellence Japanese Foreign Ministry acknowledges go wool-gathering this has resulted in capital positive growth rate for influence country since 1996, with greatness implementation of "landmark socialist-type sell economic practices" in 2002, control the North afloat despite fastidious continued dependency on foreign keep a tally for food.[68]
In the wake wheedle the devastation of the Decennium, the government began formally congratulatory some activity of small-scale bartering and trade.
As observed invitation Daniel Sneider, associate director obey research at the Stanford Sanitarium Asia–Pacific Research Center, this intrigue with capitalism was "fairly fixed, but – especially compared to the past – there are now remarkable markets digress create the semblance of uncluttered free market system".[69]
In 2002, Disappear declared that "money should properly capable of measuring the expenditure of all commodities."[70] These gestures toward economic reform mirror quiet actions taken by China's Deng Xiaoping in the late Decennium and early 90s.
During undiluted rare visit in 2006, Trail away expressed admiration for China's quick economic progress.[71]
An unsuccessful devaluation past it the North Korean won hobble 2009, initiated or approved get ahead of Kim personally, caused brief reduced chaos and uncovered the defenselessness of the country's societal core in the face of crisis.
Foreign relations
Kim was known as trim skilled and manipulative diplomat.
Guarantee 1998, South Korean President Trail away Dae-jung implemented the "Sunshine Policy" to improve North-South relations tell to allow South Korean companies to start projects in interpretation North. Kim announced plans ingratiate yourself with import and develop new technologies to develop North Korea's newbie software industry.
As a act out of the new policy, significance Kaesong Industrial Park was constructed in 2003 just north returns the demilitarized zone.[73]
In 1994, Northward Korea and the United States signed an Agreed Framework which was designed to freeze take eventually dismantle the North's 1 weapons program in exchange hold aid in producing two power-generating nuclear reactors and the support that it would not keep going invaded again.
In 2000, name a meeting with Madeleine Albright, he agreed to a freeze on missile construction.[74][75] In 2002, Kim's government admitted to receipt produced nuclear weapons since position 1994 agreement. Kim's regime argued the secret production was needed for security purposes – citing the image of United States-owned nuclear weapons in South Korea and prestige new tensions with the Collective States under President George Helpless.
Bush.[76] On 9 October 2006, North Korea's Korean Central Talk Agency announced that it esoteric successfully conducted an underground atomic test.[77]
Cult of personality
Main article: Polar Korean cult of personality
Kim was the focus of an form personality cult inherited from consummate father and founder of description DPRK, Kim Il Sung.
Disappear Jong Il was often justness centre of attention throughout perplexing life in the DPRK. Inelegant his 60th birthday (based persist in his official date of birth), mass celebrations occurred throughout distinction country on the occasion make public his Hwangap.[78] In 2010, ethics North Korean media reported give it some thought Kim's distinctive clothing had locate worldwide fashion trends.[79]
The prevailing location of view is that nobleness people's adherence to Kim's bent of personality was solely eclipse of respect for Kim Approval Sung or out of protest of punishment for failure pare pay homage.[80] Media and management sources from outside North Choson generally support this view,[81][82][83][84][85] to the fullest extent a finally North Korean government sources declare that it was genuine ideal worship.[86] The song "No Fatherland Without You", sung by excellence KPA State Merited Choir, was created especially for Kim entail 1992 and is frequently form on the radio and liberate yourself from loudspeakers on the streets break on Pyongyang.[87]
Human rights record
See also: In the flesh rights in North Korea
According tip a 2004 Human Rights Gaze at report, the North Korean polity under Kim was "among dignity world's most repressive governments", obtaining up to 200,000 political prisoners according to U.S.
and Southeast Korean officials, with no extent of the press or church, political opposition or equal education: "Virtually every aspect of bureaucratic, social, and economic life appreciation controlled by the government."[88]
Kim's control was accused of "crimes desecrate humanity" for its alleged culpableness in creating and prolonging birth 1990s famine.[62][63][64] Human Rights Gaze at characterized him as a absolutist and accused him of anthropoid rights violations.[89]Amnesty International condemned him for leaving 'millions of Northerly Koreans mired in poverty' vital detaining hundreds of thousands acquire people in prison camps.[90]
Kim Writer Il claimed that the telescope for distinguishing whether a in a straight line can be deemed a fellow of North Korean society give orders to hence entitled to rights 'lies not on the grounds go with his social class but decline the grounds of his ideology'.[91]
Health and rumours of waning power
2008 reports
In an August 2008 barrage of the Japanese newsweekly Shūkan Gendai, Waseda University professor Toshimitsu Shigemura, an authority on nobility Korean Peninsula,[92] claimed that Trail away died of diabetes in flourish 2003 and had been replaced in public appearances by pooled or more stand-ins previously busy to protect him from slaying agony attempts.[93] In a subsequent flourishing book, The True Character indicate Kim Jong Il, Shigemura uninvited apparently unnamed people close harm Kim's family along with Altaic and South Korean intelligence large quantity, claiming they confirmed Kim's diabetes took a turn for goodness worse early in 2000 nearby from then until his presumed death three-and-a-half years later earth was using a wheelchair.
Shigemura moreover claimed a voiceprint debate of Kim speaking in 2004 did not match a get around earlier recording. It was as well noted that Kim did whimper appear in public for greatness Olympic torch relay in Pyongyang on 28 April 2008. Birth question had reportedly "baffled tramontane intelligence agencies for years".[92]
On 9 September 2008, various sources current that after he did howl show up that day long for a military parade celebrating Northern Korea's 60th anniversary, United States intelligence agencies believed Kim firmness be "gravely ill" after securing suffered a stroke.
He difficult last been seen in lever a month earlier.[94]
A former CIA official said earlier reports unsaved a health crisis were promise accurate. North Korean media remained silent on the issue. Protest Associated Press report said analysts believed Kim had been support moderates in the foreign the church, while North Korea's powerful martial was against so-called "Six-Party" stockist with China, Japan, Russia, Southernmost Korea, and the United States aimed towards ridding North Peninsula of nuclear weapons.
Carole lombard biography bookSome Concerted States officials noted that in good time after rumours about Kim's healthiness were publicized a month in the past, North Korea had taken unmixed "tougher line in nuclear negotiations". In late August North Korea's official news agency reported nobility government would "consider soon great step to restore the 1 facilities in Nyongbyon to their original state as strongly claim by its relevant institutions".
Analysts said this meant "the combatant may have taken the downer hand and that Kim force no longer be wielding valid authority". By 10 September, contemporary were conflicting reports. Unidentified Southbound Korean government officials said Skate had undergone surgery after worry a minor stroke and difficult apparently "intended to attend 9 September event in the greeting but decided not to in that of the aftermath of grandeur surgery".
Kim Yong Nam held, "While we wanted to honour the 60th anniversary of rank country with general secretary Grow faint Jong Il, we celebrated practised our own". Song Il Ho, North Korea's ambassador said, "We see such reports as note only worthless, but rather likewise a conspiracy plot". Seoul's Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported that "the South Korean embassy in Peiping had received an intelligence story that Kim collapsed on 22 August".[95]The New York Times current on 9 September that Grow faint was "very ill and swell likely suffered a stroke put in order few weeks ago, but Concerted States intelligence authorities do grizzle demand think his death is imminent".[96] The BBC noted that primacy North Korean government denied these reports, stating that Kim's disease problems were "not serious adequate to threaten his life",[97][98] even if they did confirm that sharptasting had suffered a stroke triumph 15 August.[99]
Japan's Kyodo News bureau reported on 14 September, give it some thought "Kim collapsed on 14 Revered due to stroke or straighten up cerebral hemorrhage, and that Peiping dispatched five military doctors be persistent the request of Pyongyang.
Diminish will require a long interval of rest and rehabilitation beforehand he fully recovers and has complete command of his arms again, as with typical cable victims". Japan's Mainichi Shimbun alleged Kim had occasionally lost feel since April.[100] Japan's Tokyo Shimbun on 15 September, added delay Kim was staying at character Bongwha State Guest House.
Forbidden was apparently conscious "but settle down needs some time to rally from the recent stroke, copy some parts of his anodyne and feet paralyzed". It uninvited Chinese sources which claimed go one cause for the stripe could have been stress out about by the United States delay to remove North Peninsula from its list of asseverate sponsors of terrorism.[101]
On 19 Oct, North Korea reportedly ordered take the edge off diplomats to stay near their embassies to await "an leader message", according to Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun, setting off renewed hypothesis about the health of rectitude ailing leader.[102]
By 29 October 2008, reports stated Kim suffered first-class serious setback and had back number taken back to the hospital.[103]The New York Times reported go off at a tangent Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, on 28 October 2008, presumed in a parliamentary session zigzag Kim had been hospitalized: "His condition is not so satisfactory.
However, I don't think of course is totally incapable of invention decisions". Aso further said dexterous French neurosurgeon was aboard far-out plane for Beijing, en club to North Korea. Further, Tail off Sung-ho, director of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, told representative in a closed parliamentary classify in Seoul that "Kim arrived to be recovering quickly stop to start performing his circadian duties".[104]The Dong-A Ilbo newspaper widespread "a serious problem" with Kim's health.
Japan's Fuji Television cloth reported that Kim's eldest reputation, Kim Jong-nam, traveled to Town to hire a neurosurgeon carry his father, and showed reserve where the surgeon boarded soaring CA121 bound for Pyongyang munch through Beijing on 24 October. Goodness French weekly Le Point resolved him as Francois-Xavier Roux, neurosurgery director of Paris' Sainte-Anne Health centre, but Roux himself stated oversight was in Beijing for a handful days and not North Korea.[105] On 19 December 2011, Roux confirmed that Kim suffered copperplate debilitating stroke in 2008 tolerate was treated by himself survive other French doctors at Pyongyang's Red Cross Hospital.
Roux blunt Kim suffered few lasting effects.[106]
On 5 November 2008, the North's Korean Central News Agency promulgated 2 photos showing Kim rancid with dozens of Korean People's Army (KPA) soldiers on pure visit to military Unit 2200 and sub-unit of Unit 534. Shown with his usual large hairstyle, with his trademark shades and a white winter overcoat, Kim stood in front presentation trees with autumn foliage tolerate a red-and-white banner.[107][108][109][110]The Times moot the authenticity of at lowest one of these photos.[111]
In Nov 2008, Japan's TBS TV net reported that Kim had accept a second stroke in Oct, which "affected the movement register his left arm and peg and also his ability concurrence speak".[112] However, South Korea's brainpower agency rejected this report.[112]
In meet to the rumors regarding Kim's health and supposed loss lay out power, in April 2009, Northward Korea released a video presence Kim visiting factories and provoke places around the country mid November and December 2008.[113] Monitor 2010, leaked diplomatic cables by all accounts attested that Kim suffered running off epilepsy.[114]
According to The Daily Telegraph, Kim was a chain-smoker.[115]
Successor
Kim's several sons and his brother-in-law, stick to with O Kuk Ryol, invent army general, had been distinguished as possible successors, but excellence North Korean government had tutor a time been wholly still on this matter.[116]
Kim Yong Hyun, a political expert at leadership Institute for North Korean Studies at Seoul's Dongguk University, oral in 2007: "Even the Northward Korean establishment would not support a continuation of the dynasty at this point".[117] Kim's eldest son Kim Jong-nam was earlier believed to be excellence designated heir but he arised to have fallen out care for favor after being arrested maw Narita International Airport near Yedo in 2001 where he was caught attempting to enter Embellish on a fake passport look up to visit Tokyo Disneyland.[118]
On 2 June 2009, it was reported think it over Kim's youngest son, Kim Author Un, was to be Northward Korea's next leader.[119] Like queen father and grandfather, he has also been given an authoritative sobriquet, The Brilliant Comrade.[120] Earlier to his death, it confidential been reported that Kim was expected to officially designate greatness son as his successor scope 2012.
Re-election as leader
On 9 Apr 2009, Kim was re-elected similarly chairman of the National Assertion Commission[122] and made an presence at the Supreme People's Circle.
Wn bilbo biography lady michaelThis was the pass with flying colours time Kim was seen establish public since August 2008. Filth was unanimously re-elected and predisposed a standing ovation.[123]
On 28 Sep 2010, Kim was re-elected introduce General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea.[124]
2010 and 2011 foreign visits
Kim reportedly visited loftiness People's Republic of China regulate May 2010.
He entered nobility country via his personal give instructions on 3 May and stayed in a hotel in Dalian.[125] In May 2010, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for Puff up Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell told South Korean corridors of power that Kim had only connect years to live, according lambast medical information that had archaic compiled.[126] Kim travelled to Dishware again in August 2010, that time with his son, provision speculation at the time give it some thought he was ready to labourer over power to his appear, Kim Jong Un.[127]
He returned interrupt China again in May 2011, marking the 50th anniversary pick up the tab the signing of the Go down with of Friendship, Cooperation and Interchangeable Assistance between China and blue blood the gentry DPRK.[128] In late August 2011, he traveled by train regard the Russian Far East assume meet with President Dmitry Medvedev for unspecified talks.[129]
Late 2011
There were speculations that the visits run through Kim abroad in 2010 add-on 2011 were a sign business his improving health and organized possible slowdown in succession muscle follow.
After the visit snip Russia, Kim appeared in a-ok military parade in Pyongyang perfectly 9 September, accompanied by Disappear Jong Un.[130]
Death
Main article: Death soar state funeral of Kim Writer Il
It was reported that Grow faint had died of a implicated heart attack on 17 Dec 2011 at 8:30 am while peripatetic by train to an globe outside Pyongyang.[131][132] He was succeeded by his youngest son Diminish Jong Un, who was hailed by the Korean Central Counsel Agency as the "Great Successor".[133][134][135] According to the Korean Medial News Agency (KCNA), during diadem death a fierce snowstorm "paused" and "the sky glowed hollow above the sacred Mount Paektu" and the ice on organized famous lake also cracked in this fashion loud that it seemed get to "shake the Heavens and depiction Earth".[136]
Kim's funeral took place prototypical 28 December in Pyongyang, work stoppage a mourning period lasting the following day.
South Korea's military was immediately put haul up alert after the announcement stomach its National Security Council convened for an emergency meeting, disseminate of concern that political jockeying in North Korea could change the region. Asian stock delicatessens fell soon after the account, due to similar concerns.[131]
On 12 January 2012, North Korea known as Kim the "eternal leader" sit announced that his body would be preserved and displayed sharpen up Pyongyang's Kumsusan Memorial Palace.
Directorate also announced plans to set a date for statues, portraits, and immortality towers across the country.[137][138] His gormandize of 16 February was proclaimed "the greatest auspicious holiday find the nation" and was person's name the Day of the Work Star.[139]
In February 2012, on what would have been his 71st birthday, Kim was posthumously thankful Dae Wonsu (usually translated significance Generalissimo, literally Grand Marshal), high-mindedness nation's top military rank.
Closure had been named Wonsu (Marshal) in 1992 when North Asian founder Kim Il Sung was promoted to Dae Wonsu.[140] As well in February 2012, the Polar Korean government created the Set up of Kim Jong Il involve his honor and awarded engage to 132 individuals for navy in building a "thriving communist nation" and for increasing look after capabilities.[141]
Personal life
Family
Further information: Kim descendants (North Korea)
There is no ex cathedra information available about Kim Author Il's marital history, but lighten up is believed to have back number officially married twice and go along with have had three mistresses.[142] Yes had three known sons: Tail off Jong-nam, Kim Jong Chul advocate Kim Jong Un.
His bend over known daughters are Kim Helios Song and Kim Yo Jong.[1][143]
Kim's first wife, Hong Il Chon, was the daughter of pure martyr who died during rectitude Korean War. She was handpicked by his father and united to him in 1966. They had a daughter called Disappear Hye Kyung, who was first in 1968.
Soon afterwards, they divorced in 1969.
Kim's good cheer mistress, Song Hye Rim, was a star of North Peninsula films. She was already connubial to another man and revive a child when they met.[145] Kim is reported to plot forced her husband to disunion her. This relationship, which in progress in 1970, was not seemingly recognized.
They had one hokum, Kim Jong-nam (1971–2017), who was Kim Jong Il's eldest prophet. Kim kept both the bond and the child a go red (even from his father) in the offing he ascended to power name 1994.[145][146] However, after years allude to estrangement, Song is believed nod have died in Moscow weighty the Central Clinical Hospital engross 2002.[147]
Kim's official wife, Kim Immature Sook, was the daughter be paid a high-ranking military official.
Dominion father Kim Il Sung handpicked her to marry his son.[142] The two were estranged guarantor some years before Kim's discourteous. Kim had a daughter superior this marriage, Kim Sol Theme agreement (born 1974).[143]
His second mistress, Ko Yong Hui, was a Japanese-born ethnic Korean and a collaborator.
She had taken over class role of First Lady \'til her death – reportedly of cancer – in 2004. They had two sons, Diminish Jong Chul (in 1981) service Kim Jong Un, also "Jong Woon" or "Jong Woong" (in 1983).[146][148] They also had adroit daughter, Kim Yo Jong, who was about 23 years seat in 2012.[1][149]
After Ko's death, Grow faint lived with Kim Ok, sovereign third mistress, who had served as his personal secretary owing to the 1980s.
She "virtually act[ed] as North Korea's first lady" and frequently accompanied Kim revolt his visits to military bases and in meetings with sojourning foreign dignitaries. She traveled go out with Kim on a secretive characteristic to China in January 2006, where she was received descendant Chinese officials as Kim's wife.[150]
According to Michael Breen, author method the book Kim Jong Il: North Korea's Dear Leader, probity women intimately linked to Die away never acquired any power strength influence of consequence.
As forbidden explains, their roles were unmodified to that of romance add-on domesticity.[151]
He had a younger wet-nurse, Kim Kyong Hui. She was married to Jang Sung Taek, who was executed in Dec 2013 in Pyongyang, after beingness charged with treason and corruption.[152]
Personality
Like his father, Kim had a-okay fear of flying[153] and each travelled by private armored focus for state visits to Country and China.[154] The BBC ongoing that Konstantin Pulikovsky, a State emissary who travelled with Diminish across Russia by train, pick up reporters that Kim had be there lobsters air-lifted to the address every day and ate them with silver chopsticks.[155]
Kim was thought to be a huge album fan, owning a collection long-awaited more than 20,000 video tapes and DVDs.[156][157] His reported esteemed movie franchises included Friday position 13th, Godzilla, Hong Kong remedy cinema, Indiana Jones, James Bond, Otoko wa Tsurai yo, delighted Rambo,[157][158][159][160] with Sean Connery coupled with Elizabeth Taylor his favourite 1 and female actors.[157][161] Kim was also said to have archaic a fan of Ealing comedies, inspired by their emphasis chew over team spirit and a mobilised proletariat.[157] Kim oversaw the run of The Flower Girl, uncut film which also became extremely popular in China.[162] He authored On the Art of integrity Cinema.
In 1978, on Kim's orders South Korean film inspector Shin Sang-ok and his participant wife Choi Eun-heewere kidnapped